The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to the FCT Administration, threatening to paralyze activities across Abuja with a large-scale protest if outstanding workers’ welfare issues are not resolved by July 3.
This comes amid protracted industrial action affecting health, education, and administrative services across the six area councils in the capital territory.
Dr. Stephen Knabayi, Chairman of the FCT NLC, made the declaration in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday. According to him, the planned protest is in response to unresolved labour disputes involving unpaid minimum wage arrears, halted salary increments, and non-payment of approved allowances.
“We had to extend the ultimatum because of President Tinubu’s project inauguration tour, which concludes on July 3,” Knabayi stated. “Once the ceremonies are over, we will hit the streets in force. We are waiting, and our members are ready.”
Months of Gridlock in Area Councils
Workers in FCT’s six area councils—Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji, and Kwali—have been on strike for several weeks, leading to the shutdown of primary health care centres, public schools, and council secretariats.
The labour unions are demanding:
Payment of national minimum wage arrears
Release of a 40% peculiar allowance
Implementation of 25% and 35% salary increases
Fulfillment of the ₦35,000 wage award promised by the Federal Government
Knabayi expressed disappointment over the lack of commitment from local council chairmen to resolve the crisis.
“This is very unfortunate. A strike is always the last resort, but we’ve been forced to act. If they fail to act after the July 3 deadline, the protest will be massive,” he warned.
Ultimatum Expired, Mobilization Underway
According to Knabayi, the NLC is working in close coordination with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), and the National Association of Health Workers. The unions jointly issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Administration on June 13, which expired June 20 without any resolution.
“We chose to delay action in respect of the President’s ongoing activities. But this patience will not extend beyond July 3,” Knabayi reiterated.
Minimum Wage Reversal Sparks Outrage
The union leader also decried the abrupt suspension of the ₦70,000 minimum wage that was introduced in May but halted without explanation the following month.
“To date, nothing has been done to address the worsening welfare crisis in the FCT’s area councils. Workers are demoralized, and communities are suffering,” Knabayi added.
The NLC confirmed that relevant security agencies and the FCT Administration have been formally notified of the impending protest, which is set to be a defining moment in the capital’s labour relations landscape.
Stay with Hobnob News for updates on this developing story and other labour-related developments nationwide.
